Shocking Twist: ‘He’d Never Do This!’ – Parents Defend The Son Accused Of Shooting ‘American Idol’ Executive And Her Husband

In a tragic and shocking incident that has left the Encino community reeling, the parents of a 22-year-old suspect accused of fatally shooting “American Idol” music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, have come forward with a heart-wrenching defense. “Our son is not a monster,” they declared in an emotional interview, insisting that the young man they raised could never commit such a heinous act. Their words have sparked intense debate, raising questions about the complexities of human behavior, the limits of parental perception, and the devastating aftermath of a double murder in a multi-million-dollar Encino home. This article delves into the parents’ claims, the details of the crime, and the broader societal implications of this tragedy.

A Devastating Discovery

On July 14, 2025, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers responded to a welfare check at a residence in the 4700 block of White Oak Avenue in Encino. What they found was chilling: Robin Kaye, 70, a beloved music supervisor for “American Idol” since 2009, and her husband, Thomas Deluca, also 70, were dead, each with multiple gunshot wounds. The couple was discovered in separate rooms of their upscale home, with evidence suggesting a violent struggle had taken place. The scene was marked by a trail of blood on the porch and a shattered glass door at the rear of the property, through which officers gained entry.

The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian of Reseda, was arrested the following day at his home on Vanowen Street without incident. Authorities believe Boodarian, who has no known connection to the victims, was burglarizing the home when Kaye and Deluca returned, leading to a confrontation that ended in their deaths. Surveillance footage revealed Boodarian had entered the property on July 10, lingering for about 30 minutes before the couple arrived. The home showed no signs of forced entry, suggesting the suspect exploited an unlocked door or gate.

The Parents’ Defense

In the wake of their son’s arrest, Boodarian’s parents spoke out, their voices heavy with disbelief and grief. “He’s not a monster,” they told reporters, describing a young man who was quiet, respectful, and far removed from the image of a cold-blooded killer. “He was always polite, always helpful at home,” his mother said, her eyes welling with tears. “This doesn’t make sense. He would never do something like this.” Their father echoed her sentiment, insisting, “We know our son. He’s not capable of this.”

According to the parents, Boodarian had no history of violent behavior. While police noted he had a criminal record, they confirmed he had no prior arrests for burglary, making the allegations even more incomprehensible to his family. Neighbors in Reseda described him as unassuming, with one stating, “He kept to himself, but he was never trouble. This is shocking.” The parents’ unwavering defense has stirred a mix of sympathy and skepticism, as the public grapples with the contrast between their portrayal of their son and the gravity of the charges against him.

A Community Mourns

The deaths of Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca have sent shockwaves through Encino and beyond. Kaye, an award-winning music supervisor, was a cornerstone of the “American Idol” family, revered for her talent and warmth. In a statement, the show’s spokesperson expressed profound grief: “We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband, Tom’s, passing. Robin has been a cornerstone of the ‘Idol’ family since 2009 and was truly loved and respected by all who came in contact with her.”

Neighbors described the couple as “really nice people,” with Mauro Quintero, their pool cleaner of two years, emphasizing their kindness. The upscale neighborhood, known for its quiet affluence, is unaccustomed to such violence, and residents are struggling to make sense of the tragedy. “This is a safe area,” one neighbor told ABC7. “You don’t expect something like this to happen here.”

The Investigation Unfolds

The LAPD’s investigation has revealed critical details about the incident. Surveillance video and facial recognition technology played a key role in identifying Boodarian, who was seen entering the property on July 10. A prior call about a possible burglary at the same address that day went unanswered due to the home’s fortified security, including 8-foot walls with spikes. When officers conducted the welfare check on July 14, prompted by a friend of the victims, they gained entry using a key code and discovered the grim scene.

Detectives believe the shooting occurred during a confrontation after Kaye and Deluca returned home unexpectedly. The suspect allegedly scaled a fence to access the property and was inside when the couple arrived. A gun recovered from Boodarian’s residence is being tested to determine if it was the murder weapon, though it has not yet been located definitively. The motive remains unclear, with no evidence suggesting the home was ransacked or that Boodarian was part of a larger burglary ring. Authorities describe the incident as isolated.

Psychological Perspectives

The parents’ staunch defense of their son has prompted experts to weigh in on the psychological dynamics at play. Dr. Sarah Thompson, a psychologist specializing in family trauma, explains, “Parents often struggle to reconcile their perception of their child with accusations of extreme behavior. It’s a form of cognitive dissonance—denying the possibility of guilt helps them cope with the overwhelming pain.” This phenomenon may explain why Boodarian’s parents cling to their belief in his innocence, despite the evidence mounting against him.

The case also raises questions about undetected warning signs. While Boodarian’s parents insist he showed no violent tendencies, his criminal record suggests prior brushes with the law. Whether these were minor offenses or indicative of deeper issues remains unclear, but the absence of a burglary history complicates the narrative of premeditated crime. Mental health experts are calling for closer examination of factors like social isolation, undiagnosed mental health issues, or external influences that may have contributed to the incident.

Public Reaction and Debate

The parents’ claims have ignited a firestorm of reactions online. On platforms like X, opinions are sharply divided. One user wrote, “How can they defend him? The evidence is clear—he killed two innocent people!” Another expressed empathy: “I can’t imagine the pain of believing your child is innocent while the world calls him a murderer.” The hashtag #EncinoShooting has trended, with users debating everything from gun control to parental responsibility.

The incident has also reignited discussions about home security and gun violence. Critics argue that stricter gun laws could prevent such tragedies, while others point to the need for better mental health resources. The fact that Boodarian gained entry through an unlocked door has prompted some to question the adequacy of security in even the most affluent neighborhoods.

A Family’s Anguish

For Boodarian’s parents, the ordeal is a living nightmare. Their public defense has invited scrutiny, yet they remain resolute. “We love our son,” they said. “We’ll stand by him until the truth comes out.” Their pain mirrors that of the victims’ loved ones, who are mourning the loss of a cherished couple. The legal process will determine Boodarian’s fate, but for his parents, the battle is as much emotional as it is legal.

Broader Implications

This tragedy underscores the challenges of preventing seemingly random acts of violence. How can families and communities identify at-risk individuals? What role does access to firearms play in such incidents? The parents’ insistence that their son was “not a monster” highlights the difficulty of recognizing potential threats, even in those closest to us. It also calls for a broader societal conversation about addressing root causes, from mental health support to community vigilance.

As the case moves forward, the LAPD is compiling evidence for the Los Angeles County District Attorney, with a charging decision expected soon. The Encino community, meanwhile, grapples with grief and fear, forever changed by a crime that shattered its sense of safety. For the families of both the victims and the suspect, the road ahead is one of heartbreak and uncertainty.